News - Andrew Hastie MPhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/news
Supporting Cricket and Netball in Roleystone <p><em>On November 29 2018 I delivered the following speech in Parliament about the work of the Roleystone Karragullen Cricket Club and Roleystone Netball Club to build a new pavilion. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I rise to share with the House an exciting project, in my electorate of Canning, that I believe to be deserving of this government's support. The Roleystone Karragullen Cricket Club has been around since 1950. For almost 75 years they've been an important part of the Hills community. Today, they're one of the biggest clubs in the city of Armadale. They're the only cricket club in the city with a first grade men's team, a junior girls' team and a senior women's team. They've been serious about getting girls involved in the game and now boast more female Junior Blasters than any other club in Western Australia. They're the only club in the state to offer free membership for juniors. This is made possible through the fees of senior players and by additional fundraising. I think they are an absolute credit to the Roleystone and Karragullen community.</p>
<p class="HPS-Normal"><span class="HPS-Normal">The club is also marked by a spirit of independence and self-determination. Recently I met with club president John Lewis for a tour around the grounds and to talk about the issues. They've come a long way since the fifties, when the field wasn't so flat and it paid to be hitting downhill. The improvements are largely thanks to the club's own effort. They recently built their own training nets, paid for through community fundraising and constructed by the members themselves. But the club lacks facilities. There is no canteen and there are no toilets and change rooms. The clubhouse itself, while filled with character, has seen better days. Many of the kids currently get changed in an old nearby public toilet that should have been condemned years ago. This is a problem also shared by the nearby Roleystone Netball Club.</span></p>
<p class="HPS-Normal"><span class="HPS-Normal">For a long time the Roleystone Karragullen Cricket Club has been working on a solution. They're not just looking for a handout. Over the past 10 years the club has raised $250,000 towards a new pavilion that would meet the needs of their growing members. They've also reached an agreement with the netball club that would make this a joint facility, capable of meeting both of their needs and available for use by the whole community.</span></p>
<p class="HPS-Normal"><span class="HPS-Normal">But there's still a long way to go. Despite their outstanding efforts in fundraising, the club still needs $500,000 to make this dream a reality. And so, through the City of Armadale, the cricket and netball clubs have applied for a Community Sport Infrastructure grant, offered by this government. The grant program is designed to help provide new infrastructure to sporting organisations. That will get more people active and improve community participation. It is my view that this project more than qualifies, especially when you consider that they have raised the first $250,000 on their own. It is an incredible effort.</span></p>
<p class="HPS-Normal"><span class="HPS-Normal">Today I'll be meeting with the Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie, to make the case for them. Over the coming weeks I'll be working with the Roleystone community to make this project a reality.</span></p>Sat, 01 Dec 2018 13:10:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/roleystonepavilion
Technology Changes. Evil Doesn't.<p>It's hard to watch the final moments of a man's life. Even harder when you realise you're watching through his own eyes.</p>
<p>The helmet camera worn by US Staff Sergeant Jeremiah W. Johnson, showed a soldier cut off from support and overwhelmed by militants.</p>
<p>You see him returning fire bravely with his three mates who also fell; before falling himself, bleeding out into the red Saharan dirt.</p>
<p>You also see the triumphant militants from Islamic State of the Greater Sahara. The ISGS soldiers tower over the fallen warrior, taking his last breaths. And you wonder what his last thoughts might have been.</p>
<p>Johnson and his small team of US special operators known as 'Green Berets', were ambushed on October 4, 2017, as they were returning from a mission to secure the small village of Tongo Tongo, in Niger, south of the Mali border.</p>
<p>Alongside Johnson and the three other US soldiers who were gunned down, five Nigerien soldiers also perished. The militants stripped the fallen soldiers and seized the helmet camera footage for exploitation.</p>
<p>On 4 March of this year, Islamic State released the footage onto social media, complete with jihadi music and fake screams.</p>
<p>Six months after the gun fight, Islamic State pressed the strategic advantage with widespread internet and media coverage of their tactical victory in Niger.</p>
<p>Technology has networked the world in a way that poses big challenges for policymakers. Cyberspace is a new battleground. Social media and encrypted communications have shifted the advantage to those who would do us harm.</p>
<p>Relatively small gunfights on the other side of the globe can do serious damage to Western governments and national prestige. Consider the 2012 attack on the US diplomatic complex in Benghazi, Libya, and the way that it was used against the US to damage its standing in North Africa and the Middle East.</p>
<p>Social media also enables terrorists to recruit and build networks. Islamic State has been extremely effective in their use of social media to spread propaganda and rally foreign fighters from around the world to join the caliphate, as they did in Iraq and Syria in 2014.</p>
<p>More than 100 Australians have joined to fight with Islamic State.</p>
<p>Islamic State and its affiliates may have lost a foothold in the Levant, but they continue to mobilise and inspire a global insurgency against Western democratic countries. The Bourke Street attack in Melbourne only weeks ago is just one example. The threat to Australia is ongoing.</p>
<p>Not only do terrorists seek to leverage social media for their messaging, but they also use encrypted communications to plot and plan attacks against us.</p>
<p>Encryption allows these criminals to 'go dark' and evade detection from Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies.</p>
<p>We are at an increasing disadvantage in our fight against terrorists, spies, drug traffickers and paedophiles because our laws have not kept pace with technological change.</p>
<p>In fact, this the greatest challenge facing those charged with protecting the Australian people. We are fighting terrorists with our hands tied behind our backs.</p>
<p>This week, the Director-General of Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Duncan Lewis, and the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Andrew Colvin, gave evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security that encryption is making our security and police operationally less effective.</p>
<p>Lewis told us that plainly that encryption "has degraded our ability to identify terrorist activity".</p>
<p>This trend will only continue.</p>
<p>ASIO and the AFP predict that all lawfully intercepted messages are likely to be encrypted by 2020. The terrorists will go dark and it will be very difficult to stop their planning.</p>
<p>The Committee also had four hours of Top Secret briefings, which have left me with no doubt that there is a real and present threat to the Australian people.</p>
<p>That is why the Morrison government is urgently seeking passage of the Assistance and Access Bill.</p>
<p>It introduces a framework that gets industry and our security agencies working together to disrupt terrorist activity.</p>
<p>It also enables our security agencies to compel our communications providers to assist them in providing access to terrorist communications, without compromising the privacy of law-abiding Australians.</p>
<p>The Bill does not allow our security agencies to decrypt the messages of innocent Australians, nor does it allow the building of backdoors into encrypted communications. It isn't interested in harvesting mass data on Australian citizens, as some have falsely claimed.</p>
<p>This Bill applies a surgical approach to a critical problem. The simple reality is that we can't have terrorists, spies, drug traffickers and paedophiles operating outside the law in an ungoverned environment online.</p>
<p>Who else can keep Australians safe?</p>
<p>Will the big tech companies take responsibility for detecting threats and policing terrorism? Of course not. Silicon Valley's first loyalty is to profit, not Australian sovereignty and security.</p>
<p>Protecting Australians is the job of democratically elected, accountable governments. The Bill is before the Intelligence and Security committee now.</p>
<p>Liberal members are working very closely with Labor on a bipartisan basis. We all want the best laws for Australia, that enable our security people to protect us, with appropriate safeguards.</p>
<p>In a war where our enemies want to weaponise the internet, we must give Australian intelligence agencies the tools they need to fight back.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Originally Published in the Daily Telegraph.</em></p>Fri, 30 Nov 2018 10:13:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/thenewfrontline
Wage Subsidy Trial for Local Apprentices, Small Business<p>The Morrison government will invest $60 million to trial a wage subsidy as an incentive for employers in regional and rural communities to employ more apprentices.</p>
<p>Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator Michaelia Cash said the trial would see up to 1,630 new Australian Apprentices in areas of skills needs.<br><br>“There are 3.3 million Australian small businesses which contribute around $395 billion annually to our economy. Small business plays a vital role in our community, from giving young Australians their first real job to supporting our local charities and sporting organisations,” Minister Cash said.</p>
<p>“Through this incentive we are securing the skills our regional and rural businesses need to remain competitive and give local students new opportunities at home.”</p>
<p>From 1 January 2019, the new subsidy under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP), will support eligible new Australian Apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/187/attachments/original/1540973358/Version_2-2.jpg?1540973358" alt="" width="550" height="367"></p>
<h5>Toni Turner (left), owner of Madora Bay Glass, and their apprentice Harely (centre), with Andrew Hastie.</h5>
<p>“Too often regional communities suffer from a lack of opportunity for young people, causing an exodus to the cities,” said Member for Canning Andrew Hastie.</p>
<p>“This trial is just one of the things the Coalition is doing to improve job opportunties for young people in the Peel region.”</p>
<p>“A VET qualification can unlock as many opportunities and is just as important to the economy as a university degree,” Mr Hastie continued.</p>
<p>“This investment is part of our Government’s commitment to vocational education and training that delivers the quality skilled workforce our community needs.”</p>
<p>Mr Hastie said that under the subsidy ­eligible employers in the City of Mandurah and Shires of Murray, Waroona and Boddington could receive payments based on the apprentice’s relevant award wage rates.</p>
<p>“Subsidies will be provided at 75 per cent of the apprentice’s award wage in the first year, followed with 50 per cent in the second year and 25 per cent in the third year.” </p>
<p>The new wage subsidy will complement other incentives currently available through the AAIP and support the engagement of eligible new full-time apprentices at the Certificate III and IV levels in occupations on the National Skills Needs List in regional and rural communities.</p>Wed, 31 Oct 2018 16:37:00 +0800Andrew Hastiehttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/regional_wage_subsidy_trial
Regional Growth Fund Delivers for the Peel Region<p>The Shire of Murray has been invited to submit Full Business Cases for the construction of the Peel Business Park and the Peel Agri-Innovation Precinct under the Australian Government’s highly anticipated $272.2 million Regional Growth Fund.</p>
<p>The Australian Government is planning to invest $21.75 million in Stage 1 of the Shire’s project, which is estimated to deliver $11.3 million of economic activity and deliver 36 jobs during construction.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=197CPkfAZp0&amp;feature=youtu.be"><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/186/attachments/original/1540874884/45068914_2139594676051053_532786784648560640_n.png?1540874884" alt="" width="550" height="413"></a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Stage 1 will include the subdivision and ground preparation for the Peel Business Park; construction of the microgrid and battery storage that will help power the Park; and construction of the research and development facility,” Mr Hastie said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Andrew Hastie said this is exciting news for the region given the highly competitive nature of the grant, which saw more than 300 applications received from state and territory governments, local governments, businesses and not-for-profit organisations.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“This is a tremendous opportunity for our region. The Peel Business Park and the Peel Agri-Innovation Hub will focus food production, processing and distribution in the Peel region, creating efficient industries that will boost the local economy and drive jobs growth,” Mr Hastie said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Regional Growth Fund provides grants of $10 million or more for major transformational projects that support long-term economic growth and create regional jobs.<br><br></p>
<blockquote>
<p>“The Regional Growth Fund will unlock economic opportunities across regional Australia and we know that when the regions are strong, so too is our nation,” Mr McCormack said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>To find out more about the Regional Growth Fund, click <a href="http://regional.gov.au/regional/programs/regional-growth-fund.aspx">here</a>.</p>
<p> </p>Tue, 30 Oct 2018 12:54:00 +0800Andrew Hastiehttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/peel_business_park_funded
SAS Dog Receives "Victoria Cross for Animals"<p>Interview with 6PR's Simon Beaumont</p>
<p><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2Fdm9I3f1teuU%3Fwmode%3Dtransparent%26feature%3Doembed&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ddm9I3f1teuU&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fdm9I3f1teuU%2Fhqdefault.jpg&amp;key=e23856ccc1f011e0b5e44040d3dc5c07&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=youtube" width="600" height="338" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>"If it wasn't for Kuga's actions in the early detection of the concealed enemy position, his drive and courage in the face of enemy fire, both Kuga's handler and the patrol would have walked into the enemy ambush with potentially devastating loss of life."</p>Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:48:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/kuga
Applications Open For BBRF Round 3<p>Communities in Canning are invited to apply for a share in $200 million under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.</p>
<p>Andrew Hastie MP is urging groups and organisations in the Peel Region and beyond to take advantage of the fund, and get local infrastructure and community-building projects of all sizes off the ground. </p>
<p>“This fund is dedicated to unlocking the economic potential in remote and regional Australia.</p>
<p>“Our region has already benefited from rounds one and two of the Building Better Regions Fund with $6.5 million invested into five projects in Pinjarra, Waroona, Dwellingup, and Preston Beach - driving economic growth in Canning and delivering lasting benefits to our communities.</p>
<p>“I encourage all eligible organisations with a great project idea to apply for the third round of funding,” said the Member for Canning.</p>
<p>Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects delivered under Round 3 will ensure regional and remote communities continue to thrive.</p>
<p>“We have had fantastic outcomes over the first two funding rounds of the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and I expect Round 3 to deliver more of the same with up to $45 million earmarked to increase tourism,” Mr McCormack said.</p>
<p>“Tourism is a major industry in many of our regional areas, and this investment in tourism-related infrastructure projects will draw more visitors to remote and regional Australia and the economic benefits they bring with them.</p>
<p>“In this third round we are investing a further $200 million – a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to investing in projects that create jobs, build regional economies and ensure strong and resilient regional communities into the future.”</p>
<p>Applications close on 15 November 2018.</p>
<p>Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available at <a href="http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/bbrf">infrastructure.gov.au/bbrf</a>.</p>Mon, 08 Oct 2018 16:18:00 +0800Keegan Nichollshttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/bbrf_round3
130 Days and Counting<p><strong>I'm asking for your help in the fight for the Peel Health Campus.</strong></p>
<p>It's been more than 130 days since the Mandurah community rallied outside the Peel Health Campus, calling on the State Government to improve our overworked hospital. </p>
<p>Since then, the WA Labor Government has done nothing.</p>
<p><strong>We still have unacceptable emergency waiting times, insufficient services, and pensioners without ready access to important treatments.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></strong></p>
<p>So Zak Kirkup and I are holding the State Government to account.</p>
<p><strong>We've made signs for you to display in your front yard, calling for improvements to the Peel Health Campus. Each sign holder will also get a set numbers, to stick on their sign every ten days the State Government fails to deliver.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/180/attachments/original/1536803261/Fighting_Peel_Health_Rally.jpg?1536803261" alt="" width="292" height="438"></strong></p>
<p>Together we are going to keep count on the wait for a better hospital, and send a clear message to the WA Labor Government that Mandurah demands action.</p>
<p><strong>If you can put a sign in your front yard, please visit my office at 2/61 Sutton St, Mandurah and pick one up. You will also get a set of stickers, and a wooden stake, if necessary. We can even provide an assistant if you need help putting it up! </strong></p>
<p>The State Government needs to understand that we demand action. It’s been more than 130 days, but the people of Mandurah haven’t forgotten. I hope you can join me in this fight. </p>Thu, 13 Sep 2018 09:55:33 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/130days
Mandurah Drug Testing Trial One Step Closer<p><span>The Coalition’s proposed Drug Testing Trial in Mandurah is one step closer to becoming reality, with its legislation passing the House of Representatives. </span></p>
<p><span>The Bill was passed with unanimous support by the Coalition, despite opposition from the Labor Party. </span></p>
<p><span>Member for Canning Andrew Hastie supported the Bill, arguing it complemented action already taken by the Coalition in Mandurah. </span></p>
<p><span>“In Mandurah, the Drug-Testing Trial is part of a multipronged approach to fighting local drug abuse. The Coalition has invested in improving health services through the PYMS Health Hub and headspace, and in school education programs. And now with this program we’re directly identifying and coming alongside the people who need help.” </span></p>
<p><span>“The Drug Testing Trial provides further funding for local drug treatment services, and, crucially, it helps keep taxpayers' money out of the hands of drug dealers.”</span></p>
<p><span>The Trial is an innovate approach by the Coalition to assist job seekers struggling with substance abuse. Under the program, recipients of Youth Allowance and Newstart in Mandurah may be required to undergo a random drug test. </span></p>
<p><span>Those who test positive will have 80% of their payments placed on Income Management- still available to buy essentials, but unable to be withdrawn as cash. None of their payment will be cancelled. </span></p>
<p><span>Those who test positive a second time will be referred to a medical professional and have treatment for substance abuse incorporated into their Centrelink Job Plan. </span></p>
<p><span>As one of three trial sites, Mandurah will share in $10 million to </span><span>boost local drug-treatment capacity and support.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Hastie argued that the trial’s design expected nothing more from jobseekers than would be expected in employment. </span></p>
<p><span>“Drug addiction is a huge barrier to long-term employment. Many jobs today require regular drug tests. I was tested in my previous career. Drug testing is common in the mining industry, one of the biggest employers in WA. Even the City of Mandurah, who has opposed this trial, drug tests its employees.”</span></p>
<p><span>“Helping people get a job is the entire point of Newstart and Youth Allowance. So rather than letting these people be forgotten in the system, potentially for years with no change, the Drug Testing Trial identifies them early to receive the help they need to become drug-free and job ready.”</span></p>
<p><span>“The feedback I’ve received indicates that most people in Mandurah intuitively understand the sense in this plan. Many are already randomly tested at work and can't see the controversy. Others are actually surprised it doesn't happen already.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Hastie acknowledged some members of the community had told him politicians should be tested as well. </span></p>
<p><span>“One of the more common objections that people have made about the Drug Testing Trial is to suggest politicians should be drug tested; that we should be setting the standard. I understand the sentiment.” </span></p>
<p><span>“Recently, I met with Brian Lloyd of Drug-Safe Workplaces Western Australia. Drug-Safe Workplaces collaborates with employers, staff and unions to implement drug and alcohol testing. Brian believes that drug testing should not be punitive and that it should be pre-emptive. By identifying early when someone has encountered substance abuse, we can act and help them before things get out of hand.” </span></p>
<p><span>“After speaking with Brian, and in light of some of the feedback it seems appropriate to lead by example. So next week, my team and I will undergo the same test proposed by this legislation.” </span></p>
<p><span>“Let's remember that this program is a trial. The government is trying something new in a further attempt to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.” </span></p>
<p><span>“This is sensible, practical and popular policy. Labor will have to answer to the Mandurah community if they continue to block the peoples' will.”</span></p>
<p>The Bill now goes before the Senate. </p>Tue, 21 Aug 2018 16:23:00 +0800Keegan Nichollshttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/mandurah_drug_testing_trial
Submissions welcome for Stronger Communities Programme <p>Local Federal MP Andrew Hastie invites Canning residents to submit project proposals to receive up to $20,000 under Round 4 of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).</p>
<p>“The Stronger Communities Programme is a fantastic Federal Government initiative to fund small capital projects that foster community cohesion and create viable, vibrant communities across our region,”</p>
<p>“I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the most recent round of SCP funds being put to good use around our region. The Mandurah Mums’ Cottage garden; Port Bouvard Recreation and Sporting Club’s new furniture; Nidjalla Waangan Mia’s new medical transport vehicle; and Scouts WA’s refurbished training camp toilets are just some of the beneficiaries of the Stronger Communities Programme. These grants really do make a difference to our communities.”</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/176/attachments/original/1534317891/Stronger_Communities_Programme_NWM_Van.jpg?1534317891" alt="" width="600" height="400"></p>
<p>Eligible applicants—including local government and incorporated not-for-profit organisations—can apply for a grant between $2,500 and $20,000 for their project, provided they can match their funding request with cash or in-kind donations.</p>
<p>“With $150,000 of funding to allocate under Round Four of this programme, I would encourage all interested parties to contact my office a soon as possible to request an Expression of Interest form. These are welcome until 5:00pm (AWST) September 10, after which they will be assessed by the Canning Community Advisory Committee for eligibility and merit."</p>
<p>"Submissions recommended to my office by the committee will then be invited to formally apply for the grant,” </p>
<p>To find out more about the Stronger Communities Programme, visit the website at <a href="http://www.business.gov.au/scp">www.business.gov.au/scp</a></p>
<p>To make an application, please read the eligibility criteria and then fill out the online form here <a rel="noopener" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoD6B_eyEptIoABEbo7C6p4y2T7TCOaKZveZVMpeSHHytgHw/viewform?usp=pp_url%C2%A0" target="_blank">Stronger Communities Programme Online Form</a></p>
<p>If you require any assistance in completing your application for, feel free to contact Andrew Hastie's office on (08) 9534 8044 or at <a href="mailto:andrew.hastie.mp@aph.gov.au">andrew.hastie.mp@aph.gov.au</a></p>Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:30:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/stronger_communities_programme
Third Annual Canning Shakespeare Competition a Great Success<p>On Saturday 21 July twelve local high school students participated in Andrew Hastie MP’s third annual Canning Shakespeare Competition at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (MPAC), competing for cash prizes, tickets to Julius Caesar and the honour of becoming Canning’s best youth Shakespearean of the year.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/174/attachments/original/1532941472/Screen-Shot-2018-07-30-at-5.00.57-PM.png?1532941472" alt="" width="548" height="364"></p>
<p>Students performed monologues from works including <em>Hamlet, Henry IV, Henry V, Richard III, King John, Othello, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and As You Like It</em> in front of a panel of expert judges. The panel included professional actress and Head of Acting at WAAPA, Glenda Linscott, and Mandurah local and long-time theatre professional Merle Brown, who has been heavily involved with local theatre for years, including with the Canning Shakespeare Competition.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/174/attachments/original/1533000427/Panel-2.jpg?1533000427" alt="" width="551" height="367"></p>
<p>The annual competition, which started in 2016, invites students aged 15-17 to submit a video performance of a monologue from one of William Shakespeare’s works. This year, the top twelve were then selected for the final performance before a live audience.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/174/attachments/original/1532941134/First_Place_Sharni_Uchtman_performing-2.jpg?1532941134" alt="" width="556" height="370"></p>
<p>Sharni Uchtman from Austin Cove Baptist College won first place, performing as Constance from <em>King John</em>.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/174/attachments/original/1532941054/Second_Place_Kade_Chatfield_performing-2.jpg?1532941054" alt="" width="559" height="372"></p>
<p>Second prize was won by Kade Chatfield from Frederick Irwin Anglican School.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/174/attachments/original/1532941097/Third_Place_Abby_Jennings_performing-2.jpg?1532941097" alt="" width="558" height="371"></p>
<p>Third by Abby Jennings from Austin Cove Baptist College. </p>
<p>In addition to prize money, MPAC gave the top three contestants two tickets each to Bell Shakespeare’s <em>Julius Caesar</em> on August 14.</p>
<p>“William Shakespeare is one of the greatest storytellers of all time. His understanding of human experience and emotion is unmatched in the English language. I want our next generation of Australians to engage with this heritage, to experience it and internalise it.”</p>
<p>“The competition is about encouraging young people to take a risk and build self-confidence through engaging with the work of William Shakespeare.” Mr Hastie said.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/174/attachments/original/1533000201/AAshakespeare_DSC9669.jpg?1533000201" alt="" width="558" height="422"></p>
<p>“The performing arts are a great way to build confidence in our youth and to bring people together from all walks of life,” he added.</p>
<p>The event was co-sponsored by Senator Slade Brockman, and run in partnership with Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and Bell Shakespeare.</p>
<p><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2F9IEW1X_Rqyw%3Fwmode%3Dtransparent%26feature%3Doembed&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9IEW1X_Rqyw&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F9IEW1X_Rqyw%2Fhqdefault.jpg&amp;key=e23856ccc1f011e0b5e44040d3dc5c07&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=youtube" width="600" height="338" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sat, 21 Jul 2018 09:29:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/canning_shakespeare_competition_success
$95,000 for New Community Centre in Preston Beach<p>A new Community Centre will be built in Preston Beach after $95,000 was delivered under Round 2 of the Coalition’s Building Better Regions Fund—a highly competitive, widely subscribed federal grant programme.</p>
<p>Federal Member for Canning, Andrew Hastie MP stressed the importance of the Government supporting regional communities through grants such as the BBRF.</p>
<p>“Preston Beach is a small, tightknit community. The new Preston Beach Community Centre will provide a space for important local services such as visiting health care professionals and Fire Brigade training.” </p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/173/attachments/original/1532939673/IMG_9092.jpg?1532939673" alt="" width="612" height="408"></p>
<h4>The new Preston Beach Community Centre will host around 120 community functions a year and serve as an emergency evacuation centre for Preston Beach residents.</h4>
<p>“It’s vital that small communities like Preston Beach are not forgotten. Through grants like the BBRF, the Coalition is ensuring that regional Australia is not overlooked.”</p>
<p>The centre is one of five local projects funded under the Coalition’s second round of the <em>Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), </em>providing over $6 million in projects throughout the Peel region and over $204 million toward 136 Infrastructure Projects and 100 Community Investment projects across rural and regional Australia.</p>
<p>Minister for Regional Development John McVeigh said the project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community.</p>
<p>“The Coalition has a plan for regional Australia and we are focused on getting it done. It’s a plan to create more jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities” said Minister McVeigh.</p>
<p>With the ongoing success of the <em>Building Better Regions Fund</em>, the Coalition Government has committed a further $200 million in the 2018-19 Federal Budget to deliver a third round, with applications to open in coming months. This demonstrated the Coalition’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.</p>
<p>The second round of the <em>Building Better Regions Fund</em>, which includes the Community Investments stream and the Infrastructure Projects stream, is set to create some 10,000 jobs from over 240 projects.</p>
<p>“Round 2 of the BBRF helped great community initiatives receive the funds they needed and created local jobs. I’m looking forward to Round 3 doing more of the same” said Mr Hastie.</p>Tue, 17 Jul 2018 16:37:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/preston_beach
Labor Lies About Preschool<p><span>Today the Labor candidate for Canning told a complete lie about childcare funding in Canning. </span></p>
<p><span>There have been no cuts to childcare under the Coalition government. </span></p>
<h5><span>In fact, under the Coalition’s policy, this year $2.8 million will be provided for over 2200 local pre-schoolers in Canning.</span></h5>
<p><span>The Labor Party should be ashamed of themselves. Former Labor Member Barry Urban lied about his credentials, now Labor’s candidate for Canning is lying about policy. Labor cannot be trusted on basic facts, let alone governing for Australia. </span></p>
<p><span>The Coalition’s reforms will inject an extra $2.5 billion into the childcare system and is set to benefit over 3950 families across Canning.</span></p>
<h5>The reforms provide the highest rate of subsidy to people on the lowest income levels and more hours of subsidy to those who work the most.</h5>
<p>We’re increasing the base subsidy from around 72 per cent to 85 per cent for the more than 370,000 families earning around $66,958 or less a year.</p>
<p><span>The preschool program is a national partnership with states and territories to ensure all children have access to 15 hours of quality early learning per week in the year before school.</span></p>
<p><span>Labor should fund the Tonkin Highway extension and expand the Peel Health Campus. They should focus on delivering for the people of the Peel region, rather than telling lies to them.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>Wed, 11 Jul 2018 17:03:50 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/labor_lies_about_preschool
Major Expansion of Aged Care Services in Pinjarra<p><span>Bedingfeld Park in Pinjarra will receive $3.5 million in federal funding from the Coalition Government towards stage 1 of their $7.1 million expansion project. The planned aged care wing will provide greater care for people living with dementia or high care needs.</span></p>
<p>“This vital project will fill a much-needed gap in aged care services for the Pinjarra region.”</p>
<h4><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/172/attachments/original/1532499037/IMG_8729.jpg?1532499037" alt="" width="370" height="555"></h4>
<p>The funding is part of the Building Better Regions Fund - Infrastructure Projects stream. 136 projects will be funded under the Infrastructure Projects stream, with the Coalition Government investing over $200 million.</p>
<p>People in need of high level aged care services in the Pinjarra region will benefit from a major expansion of the Bedingfeld Park facility.</p>
<p>“We need better health services, particularly in aged care for the Peel region. The expansion of Bedingfeld will make a huge difference by allowing elderly people to stay closer to their homes, family and local community."<br><br>Once completed, the new wing at Bedingfeld Park will include 25 single rooms with ensuite, a nurses station, living, dining and activity areas, treatment rooms, servery kitchen and secure landscaped courtyard.</p>
<p>The project is expected to create 18 jobs during construction and another 18 ongoing jobs – which will be a big boost to the local economy.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/172/attachments/original/1532499228/IMG_8732.jpg?1532499228" alt="" width="507" height="338"></p>
<p>Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community.</p>
<p>“Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream, the Coalition Government is investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total project value of $459 million. This means, in each successful community much anticipated local projects are receiving the funds needed to take a big idea and make it a reality."” Dr McVeigh said.</p>
<p>It’s all part of the Coalition Government’s plan to create more jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities across Australia.</p>
<p>A further $200 million was announced in the 2018 Budget for a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund - a clear indication of the Coalition Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.</p>
<p>The second round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which includes the Community Investment stream and the Infrastructure Projects stream, is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs from over 240 projects.</p>
<p><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FZCtO84gdwHs%3Fwmode%3Dtransparent%26feature%3Doembed&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DZCtO84gdwHs&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FZCtO84gdwHs%2Fhqdefault.jpg&amp;key=e23856ccc1f011e0b5e44040d3dc5c07&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=youtube" width="600" height="338" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sat, 07 Jul 2018 16:13:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/bedingfeld_aged_care_funding
$200,000 Towards the New Waroona Men's Shed<p>A new facility specifically to support men in the Waroona district will be built with the help of funding announced under round two of the <em><strong>Building Better Regions Fund</strong> –</em> Infrastructure Projects Stream. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Waroona Community Men’s Shed project will receive $200,000 from the Coalition Government to help build new the facility.</p>
<p>The project will include construction of a 42m x 18m shed including connection of water, plumbing and electrical connections, full fit-out and perimeter fencing.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/171/attachments/original/1532412328/IMG_8694.jpg?1532412328" alt="" width="571" height="380"></p>
<p>Once completed, the new Men’s Shed will create a space for local men to work, socialise, support each other and serve the wider community. It is expected that construction of the Waroona Men’s Shed will create 32 jobs during delivery and one ongoing position in the local community.</p>
<h5>"The Waroona Men’s Shed is a cherished institution. It’s a meeting place where local men look out for one another and stand together to serve their community."</h5>
<p>Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community,</p>
<h5>"Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream, the Coalition Government is investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total project value of $459 million."</h5>
<p>This means, in each successful community much anticipated local projects, like the Waroona Men's Shed, are receiving the funds needed to take a big idea and make it a reality.</p>
<p>It’s all part of the Coalition Government’s plan to create more jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities across Australia.</p>
<p><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/171/attachments/original/1532412803/IMG_8684.jpg?1532412803" alt="" width="575" height="380"></p>
<p>A further $200 million was announced in the 2018 Budget for a third round of the <em>Building Better Regions Fund </em>- a clear indication of the Coalition Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.</p>
<p>The second round of the <em>Building Better Regions Fund</em>, which includes the Community Investment stream and the Infrastructure Projects stream, is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs from over 240 projects.</p>
<p><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FJ9x-4ar5SOo%3Fwmode%3Dtransparent%26feature%3Doembed&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJ9x-4ar5SOo&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FJ9x-4ar5SOo%2Fhqdefault.jpg&amp;key=e23856ccc1f011e0b5e44040d3dc5c07&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=youtube" width="600" height="338" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sat, 07 Jul 2018 14:24:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/waroonamensshed
GST Fix for WA<p><strong><span>The Coalition Government has delivered on its promise of a long-term plan to fix the GST, bringing an additional $4.7 billion to WA over the next 8 years. </span></strong></p>
<p><span>For too long, WA has not received its fair share of the GST.</span></p>
<p><strong><span>The Coalition promised a real solution, and that’s what we are delivering.</span></strong></p>
<p><span>The Government’s plan will benefit WA in three main ways.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>First, the plan provides structural reform to how the GST is distributed. It will protect WA from future economic shocks, like the end of the mining boom, which dramatically impacted WA’s share.</span></li>
<li><span>Second, the plan will increase WA’s GST allocation to 70c in the dollar from next year’s budget, and then set a national 70c floor from 2022-23. The floor will increase to 75c in the dollar from 2024-25.</span></li>
<li><span>Third, the transition fund will allocate an additional $4.7 billion to WA over the next 8 years. Money that will be invested in our home state. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span>This plan is the most significant reform to the GST since its introduction by John Howard in 2000. </span></p>
<p><strong><span>The plan will ensure that no State is worse off and that WA receives its fair share into the future. </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Over the past 18 months, thousands of people across the Peel region and the Perth Hills have signed my petitions to help advocate for a fairer GST system. Thank you for your involvement and support. </span></p>
<p><strong><span>The Government’s plan is a victory for us all.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/175/attachments/original/1533274239/GST_Carousel_5.png?1533274239" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></span></strong></p>Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:35:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/gst_fix_for_wa
Landmark National Security Legislation Becomes Law<p>This week, after 6 months of careful consideration and by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, the Government's landmark national security legislation passed the House and the Senate to become law. </p>
<p>The Espionage and Foreign Interference Bill and the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme will do two things. First, they will equip our intelligence agencies, law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to safeguard our nation. Second, they empower the Australian people by providing greater clarity about who is attempting to influence Australian politics. </p>
<p>You can watch and read my speech on the legislation below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2F_5wjW9bWC04%3Fwmode%3Dtransparent%26feature%3Doembed&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_5wjW9bWC04&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F_5wjW9bWC04%2Fhqdefault.jpg&amp;key=e23856ccc1f011e0b5e44040d3dc5c07&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=youtube" width="600" height="338" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Prussian scholar/general Carl von Clausewitz has left an indelible mark on Western strategic and military culture. I first became immersed in his famous work <em>On War</em> as a young officer cadet under the late Professor Jeffrey Grey at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy some 15 years ago. This is not a unique experience for young minds schooled in the Western military tradition—his writings have taken a pre-eminent place in the way our political and military leaders think about war and strategy.</p>
<p>His key insight was into the primal nature of war. 'War,' wrote Clausewitz, 'is an extreme trial of strength and stamina. It is an act of force to compel our enemy to do our will.'</p>
<p>But his most quoted dictum, 'War is the continuation of politics by other means,' has led many in the West to insist on a comfortable separation between peace and war. We see war as a distinct form of statecraft conducted outside the realm of peacetime relations.</p>
<p>George F. Kennan, the American diplomat and historian, wrestled with this problem in 1948, just as the Iron Curtain was descending across Europe. In a US state department memo entitled The inauguration of organised political warfare he wrote:</p>
<p><em>"We have been handicapped however by a popular attachment to the concept of a basic difference between peace and war, by a tendency to view war as a sort of sporting context outside of all political context, by a national tendency to seek for a political cure-all, and by a reluctance to recognize the realities of international relations —the perpetual rhythm of struggle, in and out of war."</em></p>
<p>This was a phenomenon unique to Western democracies. Kennan argued that the Soviet Union under Lenin had fused Marxism and Clausewitz, and this allowed them to develop the most refined and effective political warfare in history. The Soviet Union flipped Clausewitz's logic and read his dictum backwards: 'Politics is the continuation of war by other means'.</p>
<p>Political warfare for the Soviets could be both overt and covert. It was part of the rhythm of struggle that Kennan described as an underlying reality of international relations.</p>
<p>Liberal democracies grappled with political warfare during the Cold War and today we face the same problem. </p>
<p>We know that today Marxist-Leninist authoritarian regimes are conducting espionage and foreign interference against Western liberal democracies, including Australia, on an unprecedented scale. This has been described as a unique form of authoritarian political warfare, known as comprehensive coercion.</p>
<p>I refer to the recent monograph published by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments entitled <em>Countering Comprehensive Coercion: competitive strategies against authoritarian political warfare</em>, which was co-authored by Australian Ross Babbage, along with Thomas Mahnken and Toshi Yoshihara. The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security is privy to a lot of classified information, and in my considered view this open-source document accords most closely with the threat described by our intelligence agencies.</p>
<p>The problem we all face is simply this: authoritarian states are using political warfare to undermine the legitimacy of Western democracies by targeting our media, political processes, financial networks and personal data. These authoritarian states view political warfare as a standard instrument of statecraft rather than a specialised tool. </p>
<p>Their centralised regimes can leverage all elements of their national power towards their strategic objectives. They can mobilise all elements of society for political warfare—not just government but also nongovernmental organisations, industry, think tanks, civic associations and individuals. They use political warfare to suppress dissent, discourage foreign narratives that are inimical to their interests, generate support for policies they favour, enhance their freedom of action by keeping their rivals distracted, and mitigate pushback against overt acts of revisionism.</p>
<p>What do these political warfare operations look like? Overt and covert operations are conducted to influence, pressure, coerce, bribe, corrupt and exploit Western countries. To advance their national objectives</p>
<ul>
<li>They mobilise elements of their diaspora residing in Western countries. Embassies and consulates play a vital coordination role in recruiting and controlling ethnic diaspora.</li>
<li>They task students in foreign countries to suppress views inimical to their interests on Western university campuses.</li>
<li>They influence and manipulate foreign language media in diaspora communities to comply with state-approved narratives.</li>
<li>They sponsor pro-regime educational institutions to foster their world views and support their strategic aims.</li>
<li>They provide financial support and inducements to individuals and institutions abroad, usually members of the political system, to foster them as agents of influence in the service of their national objectives.</li>
<li>They seek to build influence within Western media organisations.</li>
<li>They leverage trade and investment dependencies to coerce partners.</li>
<li>They mobilise state-owned business enterprises to act in the interest of their strategic goals.</li>
<li>They recruit business leaders who have strong economic interests in their country. They penetrate Western research and other institutions to access cutting-edge technology.</li>
<li>They conduct sophisticated cyber operations against targeted countries.</li>
<li>They conduct espionage operations against Western and partner countries, and they conduct geostrategic manoeuvres to extend their influence over new areas through the acquisition and building of roads, rail, airheads, ports, pipelines, and power and electronic communications infrastructure, to link up their economic aims with their geostrategic ambitions</li>
</ul>
<p>All of these operations that I have described thematically are reflected in real-time examples. I do not wish to name individual countries except to say this is a real problem for Western democracies.</p>
<p>But I do acknowledge the courage of Australian investigative journalists who have sought to uncover examples of these operations here in Australia. They have done so in the national interest and often with the threat of expensive defamation cases for their efforts. In fact, our defamation laws are at risk of being weaponised in the service of authoritarian states. I think we must consider reform of these laws to prevent our own institutions being used against us by our strategic rivals to suppress free speech.</p>
<p>In the meantime, we need to take legislative action to secure our sovereignty, our political institutions and our economic prosperity. This government has taken action.</p>
<p>On 7 December 2017, the Prime Minister introduced the two bills that are now before us in the House. On 8 December, the Prime Minister asked the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security to inquire into and report on both bills. For me as chair of the committee, it has been a privilege to be involved in the process of reviewing these bills on a bipartisan basis and making recommendations to improve them with amendments. It is a task that we as the PJCIS take very seriously, given the unprecedented scale of the threat that we seek to mitigate. We are also deeply conscious of the need for this parliament to balance security with personal liberty.</p>
<p>Two weeks ago the committee reported on the National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Bill, and yesterday we tabled our report on the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill. Importantly, both bills have received bipartisan support from the committee, and they need to be passed for the sake of our national interest. I've already covered in previous speeches the key elements of each bill and our committee recommendations for improvement. I won't traverse the same ground here, but it is worth reminding ourselves why we are passing this legislation.</p>
<p>Our intelligence and law enforcement agencies and prosecutors do not presently have the tools to counter the threat that we are facing. This bill equips them for the task of protecting our security and sovereignty. The espionage and foreign interference bill replaces and broadens existing espionage and sabotage offences. It introduces new categories of offences, including foreign interference and theft of trade secrets. It revises other offences against the state, including treason and treachery. It creates a new aggravated offence of giving false or misleading information in connection with a security clearance.</p>
<p>Significantly, this bill, under the foreign interference offences, makes it criminal to influence state or federal elections on behalf of a foreign power. We've seen authoritarian powers interfere in Brexit and the French and US presidential elections. We cannot afford the same risk in Australia. That is why we are taking action to secure the integrity of our electoral system. When the espionage and foreign interference bill becomes law, those charged with shielding our democracy will be equipped for the incredibly complex task before them.</p>
<p>Complementing the National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Bill is the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill. The Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill seeks to bring into the light covert or obscured foreign influence in our political institutions. It will empower the Australian people with more information about who is shaping our political decision-makers. We cannot have foreign states exercising covert influence over our political landscape.</p>
<p>Of course, we welcome overt foreign influence as a necessary part of our democratic processes. We have many foreign partners who engage in regular dialogue with Australian government and civil society through lawful, legitimate and transparent channels. We welcome this. It strengthens us as a country. But it must be declared, and this is what this scheme seeks to do.</p>
<p>The scheme will involve a public register. That register is intended to provide visibility of the level and extent of covert or obscured foreign influence in the course of political and governmental decision-making in this country. Under the bill, a person will be liable to register if they undertake certain activities that seek to influence Australian political or government decisions on behalf of individuals and entities that are closely linked to a foreign government.</p>
<p>As I've said, this transparency will empower the Australian people to better understand the foreign influences at work in our political processes. This is a very good thing, because an informed citizenry means a healthy democracy.</p>
<p>I want to say a bit about those who've done a lot of work towards getting these bills to where they are now. They have not occurred in a vacuum, nor can any one individual be credited with their passing. We are here today because a network of committed individuals across government, the media and civil society have worked in the national interest to make the private and public case for these laws. The Australian public can be confident that bipartisanship is still alive and that the network broadly reflects the political colours of blue and red.</p>
<p>The Attorney-General has been outstanding in his principled, rigorous and realistic approach to securing bipartisan support for this legislation, and I thank him on behalf of the intelligence and security committee. Justin Bassi, Daniel Ward, Tim Wellington and Parker Reeve have been instrumental in the passage of these laws. You have done great work in the service of Australia. I think of the deputy chair of the PJCIS, the member for Holt, and our Labor colleagues on the committee, and I also think of the Labor backbenchers who have shown their support for this suite of legislation during this committee process with a quiet word or note. I think of unlikely allies like Clive Hamilton who have shown courage where others have taken counsel of their fears.</p>
<p>Many contributors have no political affiliation and are members of the media, government and civil society. Their defining characteristics are analytical courage, clarity and integrity. They have made clear what is at stake for Australia if we fail to act to protect our institutions. I shall not name them, but I will make special note of John Garnaut, who has spoken truth to power and may yet pay for it. Finally, I thank the secretariat of the intelligence and security committee. Your diligence, perseverance and flexibility have enabled us to get to this point.</p>
<p>I think I speak for all involved when I commend this historic and landmark national security legislation to the House.</p>Fri, 29 Jun 2018 20:29:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/efifitslaw
2018 Canning Shakespeare Competition<p><strong>The Canning Shakespeare Competition is on again! It's about art, performance, and celebrating the contribution of Shakespeare to our language and culture. </strong></p>
<p>Grade 10 - 12 students living in the electorate of Canning are invited to enter a video performance of a monologue from one of Shakespeare's works.</p>
<p>Monologues must be a maximum of 2.5 minutes long, performed in character, from memory. </p>
<p><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2F1-3aaXjG4U4%3Fwmode%3Dtransparent%26feature%3Doembed&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1-3aaXjG4U4&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F1-3aaXjG4U4%2Fhqdefault.jpg&amp;key=e23856ccc1f011e0b5e44040d3dc5c07&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=youtube" width="600" height="338" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Submissions must be made by 5pm, Friday 6th July. </p>
<p>10 Finalists will be selected to perform their monologue before a live audience and a panel of expert judges on Saturday 21 July at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. </p>
<p>This year’s judges include Glenda Linscott, Head of Acting at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">This year there are three prizes to be won</span></p>
<p><strong>First place: $1,000 and two tickets to the Bell Shakespeare production of <em>Julius Caesar</em>.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Second place: $750 and two tickets to the Bell Shakespeare production of <em>Julius Caesar</em>.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Third place: $500 and two tickets to the Bell Shakespeare production of <em>Julius Caesar</em>.</strong></p>
<h5>To find out more or to make a submission, Contact Andrew's office:</h5>
<h5><span>2/61 Sutton St, Mandurah 6210</span></h5>
<h5><span>andrew.hastie.mp@aph.gov.au</span></h5>
<h5>(08) 9534 8044</h5>Tue, 22 May 2018 08:43:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/2018shakespeare
Mandurah to Share in $10 Million Drug Treatment Fund<p>The Turnbull Government is determined to introduce a drug testing trial in Mandurah to help residents get the help they need to get off drugs and into work.</p>
<p>Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan and Member for Canning Andrew Hastie today announced details of the additional treatment available through the Turnbull Government’s $10 million treatment fund.</p>
<p>Under the trial, 5,000 new recipients of Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) will be tested over a two-year trial period across three locations: Mandurah (WA), Logan (Queensland) and Canterbury-Bankstown (NSW).</p>
<p>The additional $10 million in funding will provide:</p>
<ul>
<li>$1 million for case management services for people who test positive more than once under the trial</li>
<li>$3 million to boost drug treatment capacity in the three trial sites, and</li>
<li>$6 million for additional accredited treatment support, in the event State or <br>Commonwealth-funded services cannot be accessed in a timely manner.</li>
</ul>
<p>Mr Tehan said the Government had recently re-introduced its drug testing trial legislation into the Parliament and called on Labor and the crossbench to support it.</p>
<p>“The Turnbull Government created more than 1,000 jobs a day last year and we want every Australian to be in a position to take advantage of the employment opportunities available,” Mr Tehan said.</p>
<p>“The best thing we can do is help someone off welfare and into work. The drug testing trial is about helping people to help themselves get a job.</p>
<p>“Doing nothing is no longer an option. Doing nothing is not helping Australians to address a drug problem and get off welfare and into work.”</p>
<p>Mr Hastie said the trial had great potential for Mandurah.</p>
<p>“This trial is a unique opportunity for Mandurah. Newstart and Youth Allowance are designed to help people while they look for work. But if people are struggling with drug abuse, their chances of getting hired and holding a job are much lower,” Mr Hastie said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“The drug testing will identify those people who need help, and the treatment fund will make sure those people have the resources they need to get drug free and job ready.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>“No one will lose their welfare out of this program, no one will be worse off if they do the right thing. But if you refuse to take a drug test, you’ll find yourself in trouble. That’s no different to many jobs. Many Canning workers take regular drug tests for their jobs. Why should it be any different for welfare recipients? This is a very reasonable expectation, especially as many Australians support job seekers on welfare through their taxes.</p>
<p>“Labor’s opposition to this program is purely political.”</p>
<p>The Turnbull Government has engaged more than 170 stakeholders on the drug testing trial at more than 60 forums around Australia, including the three trial sites.</p>
<p>The Government will further engage and consult with local stakeholders in the three trial locations prior to implementation.</p>
<p>The number of income support recipients in Western Australia who tried to claim drug or alcohol use as an excuse for not meeting their mutual obligations increased by 475 per cent over five years, with 1,075 applications submitted in 2017.</p>Wed, 16 May 2018 18:23:56 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/drug_treatment_fund
Better Roads and Rail for Canning<p><strong>Today the Prime Minister joined me in Mandurah to announce $824 million of federal funding to build three vital infrastructure projects for Canning. This is a major investment into our region.</strong></p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/126/attachments/original/1535685588/Infra_Announcement_1_-_Copy.jpg?1535685588" alt="" width="540" height="405" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Historic Funding Announced For The Peel Region</em></p>
<p><span>This is the culmination of many years of effort. We will extend and upgrade the Tonkin Highway, build Lakelands Train Station and give Byford locals access to rail. </span></p>
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<p><span>These projects will transform the Peel Region in the best possible way. Thank you for signing my petitions, voicing your concerns, and telling your stories. Time and again, you have strengthened the case I've made in Canberra.</span></p>
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<p><span>Over half a billion dollars will improve and extend the Tonkin Highway southward into the heart of the Peel region. This will put Peel on the map, bringing more jobs and streamlining access to Canning. I’m happy to announce the hard work has paid off.</span></p>
<p><span>The Tonkin Highway and Thomas Road intersection has become a severe bottleneck and safety hazard, causing heavy congestion to spill out onto many adjoining local roads. This chokes industrial growth and puts lives at risk. The new extension will connect Tonkin to the South Western Highway, south of Mundijong Road. It will enable free flowing traffic, and improve the safety of many local roads in SJ. </span></p>
<p><span>If you’re a FIFO worker an area like Pinjarra, North Dandalup or Greenfields, shorter commutes will mean more time at home with loved ones. The Tonkin Highway Extension will give you a direct route to the airport.</span></p>
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<p><span><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/mailings/6/attachments/original/AH1804B-Banner-Image.jpg?1524815282" alt="" width="540" height="304" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span>The Tonkin Highway Extension Will Reduce Congestion And Improve Safety On Roads Throughout SJ</span></em></p>
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<p><span>John Mitchell, owner and operator of Mitchell’s Livestock Transport, moves over 500,000 cattle across 1,500 pick-up and delivery locations across Australia. Instead of using a patchwork of main streets and country roads that are unsuitable for heavy haulage, John will soon have access to a newly created North-South corridor.</span></p>
<p><span>This is also great news for businessmen like Ron Bell, too. Ron built his business, Bells Engines, from scratch into a big operation with a global market. Although he’d like to expand while remaining local, a growing number of hurdles have forced him to consider leaving the Peel region. </span></p>
<p><span>The new Tonkin Highway extension is exactly what Ron and John need: better road access that will support their businesses.</span></p>
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<p><span><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/mailings/6/attachments/original/IMG_4147.jpg?1524815583" alt="" width="542" height="361" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span>Improved Infrastructure Will Develop The Local Economy, Growing Jobs And Industry In The Peel Region</span></em></p>
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<p><span>A further $241 million will extend the Armadale line to Byford. This is big news. Byford is the fastest growing local government area in Australia. If you live locally, the train will provide easy access to employment in Perth and beyond.</span></p>
<p><span>Serpentine-Jarrahdale has undergone serious change over the past 10 years. I acknowledge the anxiety some feel about how the train line may impact our region. I’ll be following the project closely, to ensure the local community isn’t left behind.</span></p>
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<p><span><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/mailings/6/attachments/original/AHPM_On_Site_1.jpg?1524817949" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><em>This Investment is a Game-Changer For Our Region</em><br><br></span></p>
<p><span>This morning the Prime Minister confirmed funding that will get the ball rolling on the Lakelands Train Station. Lakelands residents have been waiting over a decade for this to happen. In that time, the Lakelands population has tripled. $2 million has been allocated to develop the business case, and further funding has been set aside for the station's construction. </span></p>
<p><strong>We've fought hard for this infrastructure funding. This is a game changer for our region - thank you for your support.</strong></p>
<p> </p>Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/investment_win
Local Sporting Champions<p>The Local Sporting Champions Program helps young people pursue their sporting dreams. </p>
<p>Successful applicants <em></em>receive a $500 grant to go towards the cost of competing in a state, national or international competition. I had the privilege of presenting awards to these big achievers from Canning.</p>
<p>There are several rounds every year, so to find our more visit <a href="https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions">https://www.ausport.gov.au</a> </p>
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<p><strong><span>Angelina Good-Gerne </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Angelina Good-Gerne has been kayaking with Champion Lakes Boating Club since she was 9. This year she had the honour of representing her Club at the National Kayaking Sprint Regatta in Sydney. What sets Angelina apart is her attitude. She hopes the national event will give her a greater appreciation of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Good on you Angelina!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524457879/IMG_3500.jpg?1524457879" alt="" width="660"></span></p>
<p><strong><span>Katie Duncan </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Katie Duncan is a keen basketballer. She trains everyday, and for many years has flown the flag for her school in local competitions. But in 2017 </span><span>she stepped her game up a level, donning the Black and Gold at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide. Katie is committed to seeing WA basketball succeed. Good on you Katie!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524458095/IMG_3505.jpg?1524458095" alt="" width="660" height="471"></span></p>
<p><strong><span>Chloe Betteley </span></strong></p>
<p><span>2018 has already been a big year for Chloe Betteley – in January she had the opportunity to represent WA at the highest quality Softball Competition in Australia. Chloe loves the game and spends nearly every evening after school honing her skills. Good luck Chloe!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524458288/IMG_3508.jpg?1524458288" alt="" width="660" height="471"></span></p>
<p><strong><span>Jade Anderson </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Jade Anderson is an exceptional surf life saver. Though a talented swimmer, she prefers the ocean to the pool because of the different challenges thrown at her, in rough or clear conditions. In 2017 Jade was the first member of the Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club to represent WA in the club’s 20year history. Well done Jade! </span></p>
<p><strong><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524458398/IMG_3510.jpg?1524458398" alt="" width="660"></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span>Regan Ashby </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Regan Ashby is an up and coming swimmer, and knows how to work hard. She trains 5 times per week, and each session lasts 2 hours. In recognition of her talent, Regan was chosen to represent School Sport WA at 2017's Pacific School Games in Adelaide. When training and competing Regan gives it her best, and listens to her coach for guidance. Best wishes!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524458487/IMG_3518.jpg?1524458487" alt="" width="660" height="471"></span></p>
<p><strong><span>Kaea Hohaia </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Kaea Hohaia has been a keen sports lover for as long as he can remember, but has been playing touch rugby for 8 years. He juggles his studies with a demanding training schedule to become the best he can be. In 2017, all his hard work paid off - he was selected to represent WA at the National Youth Championship Games in Caloundra, QLD. Good on you Kaea!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524458633/IMG_3522.jpg?1524458633" alt="" width="660" height="471"></span></p>
<p><strong><span>Tanaya Radecker</span></strong></p>
<p><span>In 2017 Tanaya Radecker represented WA for the fourth time at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships. A member of the EWA Rising Star Squad for WA’s up and coming riders, Tanaya did our State proud while over in Queensland. Best of luck Tanaya!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524458815/IMG_3527.jpg?1524458815" alt="" width="660" height="471"></span></p>
<p><strong><span>Melanie Lucas </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Melanie Lucas is a determined young woman. Whilst studying for her ATAR exams and working a part-time job, in 2017 Melanie also earned herself the honour of swimming on behalf of WA at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide. This is a fantastic achievement. Well done Melanie!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524458929/IMG_3529.jpg?1524458929" alt="" width="660"></span></p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong><span>Hamish Van Dieken</span></strong></p>
<p><span>In 2017 Hamish Van Dieken represented Football West at the National U14s Boys Football Championship. He travelled to Coffs Harbour, where his skills were put to the test against the best young talent Australia has to offer. To succeed, Hamish knows he must lean into his strengths and work hard to improve his weaknesses. Hamish has a bright future. Good luck!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524459010/IMG_3532.jpg?1524459010" alt="" width="660"></span></p>
<p><strong><span>Tristan Watts </span></strong></p>
<p><span>Volleyball is Tristan Watt’s passion. In 2017 Tristian’s diligent training paid off when he was selected to represent WA at the Australian Junior Volleyball Championship in Queensland. Off the field, Tristan compliments his love for Volleyball by studying Sport Science and Exercise and Health at university. Well done Tristan!</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/andrewhastie/pages/125/attachments/original/1524457731/IMG_3496.jpg?1524457731" alt="" width="660" height="472"></span></p>Mon, 23 Apr 2018 12:59:00 +0800David Birchhttp://www.andrewhastie.com.au/local_sporting_champions